Who Put the Skunk in the Trunk?

3.5 stars.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

I picked up this book from a “free books” shelf at church, and I'm glad I did. It's a humorous look at how to face difficult times in our lives and how to have hope in God through it all. It doesn't go very deep, and it's not extremely organized (it's more of a series of small, somewhat-related anecdotes), but sometimes you just need a quick, light, pick-me-up read. And I enjoyed it. I added the extra half star because as I finished the last chapter of this book, I realized I was tearing up. Sometimes even the smallest message of hope can have a big impact.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

“Live so you won't be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” p. 72

“50 Ways to Leave Your Worry, #38 - Find a child and read Winnie the Pooh together.” p. 131

“It seems to me that God continually chooses the most unqualified to do His work. Perhaps it's because they find it easiest to remember Who deserves the credit.” p. 136

“Ways to Access Your Funny Bone, #10 - Read fewer newspapers and more psalms.” p. 150

“God's grace should overwhelm all of us, shouldn't it? I know of no better reason in all the world to celebrate than this: we don't get what we deserve. We get something far better.” p. 152

“I need to be reminded that the same God who has been faithful to each generation isn't about to stop with this one.” p. 194

“Don't get me wrong. I love it here. I love rooms dancing with memories, halls loud with laughter, even sticky fingerprints on windows. But leaky toilets and wet basements have a way of reminding us that nothing lasts forever. Nothing here. That this house is a poor substitute for Home... Home sounds more like a place where pain is a distant memory. Where God makes everything new. Where wheelchairs and tears are noticeably absent. Home sounds like a place where joy and laughter are permanent. Where God's people touch nail scars, bow in awe, and celebrate an empty tomb... At times I wish I had answers for the pain, for the suffering. But for now it's enough to know that one day soon - I will be Home. For good.” p. 213-214

This is the point where I got teary. I'm grateful for small reminders that no matter what, there is hope. And that no matter what, there is always a reason to be thankful. And to laugh.